Manti Te’o is a name that once dominated college football headlines and later became known worldwide for one of the most unusual stories in sports history. A former NFL linebacker and Notre Dame superstar, Te’o’s career has been a mix of incredible highs, public challenges, and a quiet, steady comeback. From finishing as a Heisman Trophy runner-up to playing in the NFL and later transitioning into media, his journey is far more complex than a simple stat line or contract figure.
Today, many people search for Manti Te’o net worth not just to see how much money he made, but to understand how his career unfolded and what he’s doing now. His story includes elite athletic success, intense media scrutiny, personal growth, and a new chapter as a football analyst and family man.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about Manti Te’o’s age, height, net worth, family, career, personal life, physical appearance, social media presence, and more.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manti Malietau Louis Te’o |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1991 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Laie, Hawaii, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 1¼ in (1.86 m) |
| Weight (playing) | Around 241 lb (109 kg) |
| Ethnicity | Samoan descent |
| Profession | Former NFL Linebacker, NFL Network Analyst |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3.5 million (as of 2025) |
| NFL Draft | 2013, 2nd Round, 38th Overall (San Diego Chargers) |
| Teams Played For | Chargers, Saints, Bears |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Jovi Nicole Engbino |
| Children | Two (Hiromi “Hiro” and Kyro) |
| Religion | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Social Media | Instagram: @therealmantiteo |
Who Is Manti Te’o?
Manti Te’o is a former professional American football linebacker who rose to national fame during his college career at Notre Dame. Born on January 26, 1991, in Laie, Hawaii, he grew up in a close-knit family with strong cultural and religious values. From a young age, it was clear that he had a special talent for football, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Te’o became a household name in college football thanks to his leadership, work ethic, and ability to read the game. He was known not only for making big tackles, but also for being the emotional leader of his team. His senior season at Notre Dame turned him into one of the most talked-about players in the country, and he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, a rare achievement for a defensive player.
However, his life and career took an unexpected turn when he became the victim of a highly publicized catfishing hoax, which brought intense media attention and personal challenges. Despite this, Te’o continued his football career in the NFL and later reinvented himself as a media analyst.
Today, he is known not just as a former athlete, but as someone who navigated extreme public pressure and built a new life beyond the field.
Manti Te’o Net Worth
As of 2025, Manti Te’o’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million. This figure reflects his earnings from his NFL career, his current work in sports media, and his personal investments.
During his time in the NFL, Te’o earned approximately $10.4 million in total salary before taxes, agent fees, and other expenses. Like most professional athletes, his net worth is lower than his total career earnings due to living costs, training expenses, and the normal financial realities of a sports career.
In addition to football income, Te’o now earns money through his role as an NFL Network analyst, along with possible speaking engagements, media appearances, and investments, including reported real estate interests.
While he never reached the financial level of superstar linebackers, his net worth represents a successful professional career and a stable post-football life.
Manti Te’o Net Worth and Career Earnings
Manti Te’o was selected in the 2013 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers in the second round with the 38th overall pick. At the time, he was still viewed as a strong prospect, though his draft stock had likely been affected by the media storm surrounding his personal life.
Over the course of his NFL career, he played for three teams:
- San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2013–2016)
- New Orleans Saints (2017–2019)
- Chicago Bears (2020–2021)
Across these years, Te’o earned roughly $10.4 million in salary. His highest single-season salary came in 2018, when he made about $1.7 million with the Saints.
His NFL career statistics include:
- 62 games played
- 307 total tackles
- 2 interceptions
- 1.5 sacks
Injuries played a role in limiting his long-term earning potential. He dealt with foot and Achilles issues at different points in his career, which made it harder for him to stay on the field consistently and secure long-term, high-value contracts.
Even so, he managed to carve out several solid seasons in the league and set himself up for life after football.
Manti Te’o’s Family and Background
Manti Te’o was born to Brian and Ottilia Te’o and comes from a family of Samoan heritage. He grew up with one brother, Manasseh, and four sisters: BrieAnne, Tiare, Eden, and Maya. Family has always played a central role in his life, and he often speaks about the importance of faith, discipline, and support in shaping who he is today.
His upbringing in Hawaii was grounded in strong community values, and he was also active in scouting, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. He is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith has been a guiding force, especially during difficult times in his life.
In August 2020, Te’o married Jovi Nicole Engbino, a personal trainer and beauty consultant. The couple now has two children:
- Hiromi “Hiro”, born in August 2021
- Kyro, born in January 2023
Today, Te’o is known as a dedicated husband and father who prioritizes family life alongside his professional work.
Age and Early Life
Manti Te’o was born on January 26, 1991, which makes him 35 years old as of 2026. He grew up in Laie, Hawaii, where he quickly stood out as a dominant high school football player at Punahou School in Honolulu.
During high school, he won state championships and earned major honors, including Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year and the High School Butkus Award. These achievements made him one of the most highly recruited defensive players in the country.
He chose to attend Notre Dame, where he would go on to become one of the most decorated defensive players in the school’s history. His early life was defined by discipline, structure, and a strong support system, all of which helped prepare him for the pressures of national fame.
Height and Physical Appearance
Manti Te’o stands at 6 feet 1¼ inches (1.86 meters) and played at a weight of around 241 pounds (109 kilograms) during his NFL career. He was known for his powerful, compact build, which made him effective as a linebacker who could stop the run and cover short passing routes.
Even in retirement, he maintains an athletic and fit appearance. His look is generally clean-cut and professional, often reflecting his role as a media analyst rather than a player. He tends to dress in a simple, understated style that matches his calm and grounded personality.
Career Journey
Te’o’s football career began with incredible promise at Notre Dame, where he became a unanimous All-American and one of the most respected players in college football. His senior season in 2012 was historic, and he finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, an extremely rare achievement for a defensive player.
He was then drafted into the NFL in 2013 and spent nearly a decade in professional football. While his NFL career never reached superstar levels, he was a reliable contributor when healthy and respected for his work ethic and professionalism.
After retiring from playing, Te’o transitioned into media and became an NFL Network analyst in 2024. In this role, he provides game analysis, player insights, and commentary, using his experience to help fans better understand the sport.
Awards and Achievements
Some of Manti Te’o’s most notable achievements include:
- Unanimous All-American at Notre Dame
- Heisman Trophy runner-up (2012)
- Winner of the Butkus Award, Maxwell Award, and Lombardi Award
- One of Notre Dame’s all-time leading tacklers
- Nearly a decade-long NFL career
While he may not have won major awards in the NFL, his college career remains one of the most memorable for a defensive player in modern football.
Social Media Presence
Manti Te’o is active on social media, especially on Instagram.
- Instagram: @therealmantiteo – where he shares family moments, fitness updates, and professional work
- He has also been active on platforms like Twitter/X, where he comments on football and current sports topics
His wife, Jovi Nicole, is also active on Instagram under @jovinicolefitness, where she posts fitness content and family-related updates.
Personal Life and Relationships
Te’o is known for being relatively private about his personal life, especially after the intense media attention earlier in his career. Since getting married and starting a family, he has focused more on stability, faith, and personal growth.
He has spoken openly about how past experiences changed his perspective on fame, trust, and mental health. Today, he appears far more comfortable living a quieter, more balanced life away from constant headlines.
Lifestyle and Where He Lives
While Te’o does not publicly share his exact home address, he is believed to live in the United States and travels for work related to NFL Network and other professional commitments. His lifestyle appears comfortable but not flashy, focused more on family and long-term security than luxury or excess.
What’s Next for Manti Te’o?
Manti Te’o’s future seems firmly rooted in football media and family life. As his presence on NFL Network grows, he may expand into more broadcasting, analysis, or mentoring roles. With his experience and unique life story, he also has the potential to move into speaking, coaching, or leadership roles within the sports world.
Fun Facts
- Manti Te’o was an Eagle Scout before becoming a football star.
- He finished second in Heisman voting, which is rare for a defensive player.
- He played for three different NFL teams over his career.
- He is a devout member of the LDS Church.
- He is now a father of two and works as a football analyst.
Conclusion
Manti Te’o’s journey is one of talent, adversity, and resilience. From a legendary college career to the challenges of the NFL and the weight of public scrutiny, he has experienced both the best and the hardest sides of fame. With a net worth of around $3.5 million, a stable post-football career, and a strong family life, he has built a future that goes far beyond the headlines of the past.
Today, he stands as a reminder that success isn’t just about numbers it’s about growth, perspective, and finding peace after the storm.
FAQs
How tall is Manti Te’o?
Manti Te’o is 6 ft 1¼ in (1.86 m) tall.
How old is Manti Te’o?
He was born on January 26, 1991, making him 35 years old as of 2026.
What is Manti Te’o’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million.
Is Manti Te’o married?
Yes, he is married to Jovi Nicole Engbino, and they have two children.
What does Manti Te’o do now?
He works as an NFL Network analyst and is involved in media and football-related projects.
